Screening for Eating Disorders

The purpose of screening is early diagnosis and treatment. Screening tests are given to people without current symptoms, but who may be at high risk for certain diseases or conditions.

Screening Guidelines

Although doctors usually ask about eating and exercise during exams, there are no national screening guidelines for eating disorders. However, the annual
National Eating Disorders Association
is sponsored by a number of prestigious organizations, including the American Psychiatric Association, American Psychological Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, and National Collegiate Athletic Association. The program incorporates educational materials, a short screening questionnaire, and post-questionnaire follow up by a knowledgeable eating disorders counselor.

Examples of questions from the screening questionnaire include:

Are you terrified about being overweight?

Have you gone on eating binges where you feel you may not be able to stop?

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Favaro A, Santonastaso P.
Construction and validation of a new screening questionnaires for eating disorders: the inventory for the screening of eating disorders/(ISED).
Epidemiol Psychiatr Soc. 2000;9(1):26-35.